- Galfrid Undershell (a minor poet).
- James Spurrell, M.R.C.V.S.
- The Countess of Cantire.
- Lady Maisie Mull (her daughter).
- Sir Rupert Culverin.
- Lady Culverin.
- Lady Rhoda Cokayne.
- Mrs. Brooke-Chatteris.
- Miss Spelwane.
- The Bishop of Birchester.
- Lord Lullington.
- Lady Lullington.
- Mrs. Earwaker.
- The Honourable Bertie Pilliner.
- Captain Thicknesse.
- Archie Bearpark.
- Mr. Shorthorn.
- Drysdale (a journalist).
- Tanrake (a job-master).
- Emma Phillipson (maid to Lady Cantire).
- Mrs. Pomfret (housekeeper at Wyvern Court).
- Miss Stickler (maid to Lady Culverin).
- Miss Dolman (maid to Lady Rhoda Cokayne).
- Mlle. Chiffon (maid to Miss Spelwane).
- M. Ridevos (chef at Wyvern).
- Tredwell (butler at Wyvern).
- Steptoe (valet to Sir Rupert Culverin).
- Thomas (a footman).
- Adams (stud-groom).
- Checkley (head coachman).
- Steward's Room Boy, etc.
LYRE AND LANCET
A STORY IN SCENES
PART I
SHADOWS CAST BEFORE
In Sir Rupert Culverin's Study at Wyvern Court. It is a rainy Saturday morning in February. Sir Rupert is at his writing-table, as Lady Culverin enters with a deprecatory air.
Lady Culverin. So here you are, Rupert! Not very busy, are you? I won't keep you a moment. (She goes to a window.) Such a nuisance it's turning out wet, with all these people in the house, isn't it?
Sir Rupert. Well, I was thinking that, as there's nothing doing out of doors, I might get a chance to knock off some of these confounded accounts, but—(resignedly)—if you think I ought to go and look after——
Lady Culverin. No, no; the men are playing billiards, and the women are in the morning-room—they're all right. I only wanted to ask you about to-night. You know the Lullingtons, and the dear Bishop and Mrs. Rodney, and one or two other people are coming to dinner? Well, who ought to take in Rohesia?
Sir Rupert (in dismay). Rohesia! No idea she was coming down this week!